Jerry Burkhart

Jerry Dean Burkhart, 54, of Hillsboro, Texas went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 26, 2011, at Scott & White Continuing Care Hospital in Temple, Texas.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 1, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the Central Baptist Church in Hillsboro with Mr. Glen MacDonald officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6:00-8:00 PM, Thursday at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

Jerry was born to Gene and Mary Burkhart on April 12, 1957 in Waco, Texas. He graduated from Aquilla High School in 1974 and married the love of his life Rhonda Gregory Burkhart on December 20, 1975 in Hillsboro, Texas. He graduated from Hill Junior College with his Associate Degree in 1976. With his dad and brother, Jerry owned and operated Gene’s Auto Service of Hillsboro, Texas. He served the community through his business by constantly helping others.

He had an angelic voice so many admired. As a faithful member of the Hillsboro Church of Christ, Jerry frequently led worship services. Many remember him as the lead singer of the country music band “Jerry Burkhart and Runnin’ on Empty”. His band played all across the country music scene for over ten years. He signed with Cupit Records of Nashville, Tennessee and released his album entitled, “Cryin’ Country” nationwide. Through his music, business and devotion to his family, he touched so many lives. He was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He was known for helping any and everyone, which often meant helping a stranded motorist with a flat tire on the side of the road. He was a giving Christian man whom so many loved.

Survivors include: his wife of thirty-five years, Rhonda Burkhart, of Hillsboro; three children, Haley Carmona and husband, Mark, of Hillsboro, Meagan Vaughn and husband, Corey, of Hillsboro, and Phillip Burkhart of Hillsboro; mother, Mary Burkhart of Aquilla; two sisters, Marilyn Britt of Aquilla and Patsy Cook of Aquilla; one brother, Danny Burkhart and wife, Tammy, of Aquilla; four grandchildren, Marissa and MJ Carmona, both of Hillsboro and Major and Aniston Vaughn both of Hillsboro; father-in-law and mother-in-law Edward and Nell Gregory of Vaughn; two sister-in-laws, Jan Nash and husband, Doug, of Carrollton and June Skerik and husband, Richard, of Abbott; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and many other family members and friends. Preceding him in death was his father Gene Burkhart.

Two very special causes to Jerry were the Hillsboro High School Baseball Program that he hoped would one day have fields of their own, and the Hillsboro Church of Christ where he worshiped and served his God.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either of these causes: Hillsboro ISD Administration, c/o Jerry Burkhart Memorial Baseball Fund, 121 E. Franklin Street, Hillsboro, TX 76645 (checks should be made to HISD with "Jerry Burkhart Memorial Baseball Fund" on memo line), and Hillsboro Church of Christ, P. O. Box 733, Hillsboro, TX 76645.

Funeral Service

Friday July 1, 2011 , 10:00 AM at Central Baptist Church

Visitation

Thursday June 30, 2011 , 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors